Saint Joseph High School
saintjoehigh.com
World History
Mr. William Flesh
574-273-6804
Bflesh@saintjoehigh.com
Texts and Other Materials: (Required Daily)
Glencoe World History: Indiana Edition (2010)
Online Student Edition available at glencoe.com
Computer
Pen or Pencil
Folder/Binder
Notebook and Loose-leaf Paper
Assorted handouts as distributed
Course Description:
From the Indiana Academic Standards Page:
“This course is a survey of the history of mankind. Emphasis is placed on the development of reading and
research skills necessary for the study of history and on developing an understanding of historical concepts. There
is much reading, writing and discussion of historical interpretation. Students will examine early civilizations such
as Egypt, Mesopotamia, the Indus Valley and China. They will study the contributions of ancient Greece and
Rome; examine the regional civilizations of medieval Europe, the culture of the Byzantine Empire and the
development of the Islamic world. The Renaissance, the scientific and industrial revolutions and global
imperialism will be analyzed.
Course Outcomes:
Students will be able to:
 Compare and contrast different historical periods and cultures, focusing on interdependence between
cultures.
 Compare and contrast the origins of specific civilizations.
 Formulate alternative outcomes of historical events.
 Analyze the impact of religion on World History.
 Use primary and secondary sources to analyze the cause and effect relationship regarding events
throughout the history of the world.
 Research on a specific topic of study.
Course Strategies:
While teacher lecture and student note taking have been and will continue to be an important part of the
learning process, in this class greater emphasis will be put on the student being active in the learning process.
Give the best effort you can give daily. Complete all reading assignments carefully- take notes while you read.
Stay up to date and check assignments and grades on power-school or gaggle. Ask questions in class or before
school. Ask a reliable classmate for missing notes any days you miss due to absence. Plan ahead for your final
exam. Class participation and a diligent use of class time will enhance student learning and result in improved
understanding and performance (better grades).
Calendar:
1st semester units include ways we study history, Prehistory vs. history, Early human beings and the hearth of
civilization, Interaction of different cultures, Ancient Civilizations (Sumer, Mesopotamia, Babylon, Egypt,
Greece) World Religions, The Roman World, Early African Civilizations.
We will begin 2nd semester with the Feudalism and the Middle Ages, The Vikings influence on Europe, Crusades,
the Black Death, Renaissance and Reformation, the Age of Exploration, Crisis and Absolutism in Europe, The
Muslim Empires, The East Asian World, Revolution and Enlightenment, The French Revolution and Napoleon.
Help: I hope that you enjoy your time in this class and learn a lot from it. More importantly, I want you to
succeed at St. Joe. Feel free to ask for help anytime. It is your responsibility to contact me if you have missed
days due to absence. If there is anything I can do to help let me know.
Class Rules/Expectations:
All St. Joseph High School rules and regulations as outlined in the Student Handbook apply. There are usually a
few minor rules issues that cause problems.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Follow all school rules.
Respect your teacher, your classmates, all property, and most importantly, yourself.
Be on time and be prepared.
Give 100% of your attention to HISTORY CLASS.
Give your best effort daily because I will give you mine. Whatever outside factors exist, consistently
come to class ready to give your best and you will have a successful year.
Consequences:
1. Warning
2. 30 minute a.m. /p.m. with teacher
3. 45 minute a.m. /p.m. with teacher
4. Detention issued
* A severe disruption or violation of school rules will result in removal from class and detention and/or further
disciplinary action as directed by the Director of Student Life.
Extra Credit Policy and Opportunities:
There may be times and circumstances where extra credit may be made available. However it is not a common
practice of mine and is not something a student should rely on to improve their grade.
Homework On-Line:
Homework will be posted on the class website which can be found on the school’s main website.
Late Work/Zero Policy:
If a student is absent, work must be submitted in a timely manner (one day allowed for each day the student is
absent).
Late homework that is gone over in class will receive a 20% reduction in credit compared to an assignment that
is turned in for a grade prior to the discussion of the assignment. Homework that is turned in 2 weeks after the
original due date will receive a 50% reduction in credit. Special Note: Attendance is expected at all class
sessions. It is the responsibility of the student to notify me when an absence is unavoidable. In addition, the
student is expected to take responsibility for making up any assignments. Tests will be announced in advance. If
a student is absent on a test day, the test will be taken on the first day the student returns to class, unless prior
arrangements are made. If a student is absent prior to an announced test but is in attendance on test day, the
student will take the test with the class unless prior arrangements are made.
Final Exam:
The midterm exam and final exam will both be cumulative through the end of each semester. You should expect
traditional exams with a combination of subjective and objective questions.
Grade Components:
Grades are computed using a 40-40-20 system. 40% from 1st quarter, 40% 2nd quarter, 20% final exam. Grades
are computed using total points. Your grade will be a mix of quizzes (average of one quiz per week),
homework, projects, unit tests, lab activities, participation, and performance tasks.
Grading Scale:
A+
A
A-
99 – 100
94 – 98
92 – 93
B+
B
B-
90 – 91
85 – 89
83 – 84
C+
C
C-
81 – 82
76 – 80
74 – 75
F
D+
D
D64 and below
72 – 73
67 – 71
65 – 66